Download Stimulants

Stimulants
By: Ginny Strother
What is a stimulant?
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Stimulants are substances that stimulate the activity of the
central nervous system. They increase or speed up mental
and physical processes in the body. There are both legal and
illegal stimulants.
It is commonly administered by taking tablets or capsules
by mouth.
Abusers may smoke, snort or inject for effect.
When are they prescribed?
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Prescription stimulants were used historically to treat
asthma, obesity, neurological disorders.
They are now prescribed for only a few health conditions,
including narcolepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder and short-term treatment of obesity.
Common stimulants include Ritalin, Adderall and
Dexadrine.
Risks and Benefits
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Risks
Depression
Nervousness
Irritability
Loss of focus
Decrease in Apetite
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Benefits
Short acting so they don’t
build up in system
Clear the body quickly
Easy to get dosage correct
Side Effects
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Like all medications the one taking the stimulant runs a risk
of becoming addicted.
Withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, depression, and
disturbance of sleep patterns.
Repeated use of some stimulants over a short period can lead
to feelings of hostility or paranoia.
High doses of a stimulant may result in dangerously high
body temperature and an irregular heartbeat.
Also the potential for cardiovascular failure or lethal seizures.
Opening the pathways of the respiratory system.
Can you take other medications
while taking stimulants?
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One should talk to his or her doctor before taking other
medications.
Stimulants should not be mixed.
Decongestants should be avoided for these may cause high
blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms.
Five Rights of Administration
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Right patient
Right time
Right dosage
Right drug
Right route of administration
Right documentation
Interesting Facts
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Very commonly taken and abused by college students in
order to stay up all night.
Most college students have used a stimulant while in
school.
Works Cited
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www.streetdrugs.org/stimulants
www.drugfree.org
www.nida.nih.gov
www.steadyhealth.com
www.healthandgoodness.com